By Josh Hall (Twitter: @Vancan19)

Aug. 10-18

Pride Week to remember Stonewall Riots, bring community together

Aug 3, 2019 | 11:11 AM

Central Alberta Pride Week is fast approaching (Aug 10-18), and while it’s bound to offer opportunities for fun, organizers want there to be a focus on why the Pride movement exists in the first place.

Shannon Humphrey, chair of the Central Alberta Pride Society, says it’s vital to remember that Pride was originally a protest.

“As much as we try to make it a celebration, to some extent, it still is a protest, but more so than that, it is about creating a safe place, a place where people can feel safe to be themselves, to express themselves however they choose, whether that’s on the sexuality side of it, or with gender identity,” Humphrey says.

“To the people who don’t understand why we still need Pride, I’d ask them have you ever felt like you couldn’t hold hands with your partner in a public space, have you ever felt like what you were doing was wrong simply based on who you love, or because you were being who you are?”

To that end, an event called ‘Love the Rainbow, how gay rights came to be’ will be held August 12 from 6-8 p.m. at the Golden Circle.

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It will feature local drag queens, and thought-provoking speakers who will talk to the history of the Stonewall Riots, and the struggles that still exist today. It is free to attend.

Humphrey also wants people to know that Pride events are open to and for those from all walks of life.

“Our allies are a huge part of our community, so bring the kids, particularly to Pride in the Park. There’ll be bouncy castles, crafts, a magician and a balloon twister. The Museum and Art Gallery will be there doing stuff, and it’ll be super fun for the whole family,” she adds.

“Ultimately, Pride is about inclusivity, celebrating diversity, and coming together as a community. To those sitting on the fence, I would say don’t feel like you don’t belong here. Everyone belongs here and that’s the whole point.”

Community members strolled over a rainbow crosswalk painted and paid for by the Central Alberta Pride Society in August 2018. (rdnewsNOW/Josh Hall)

Also during Pride Week, the Pride Society will again be painting a rainbow crosswalk downtown on Little Gaetz. An unveiling date is still to be determined.

The Trans and Non-binary Aid Society (TANAS) is again hosting a rainbow block party. It goes August 14 from 3-8 p.m. at the Westpark Community Centre.

And the biggest event of the week is the Drag Show and Dance happening Saturday, August 10 at the Cambridge Hotel. This year’s show will be headlined by Eureka O’Hara, who competed on seasons nine and ten of RuPaul’s Drag Race. Tickets are still available on Eventbrite.

A full listing of Pride Week events is at CentralAlbertaPride.ca.